Silver Bell race date change

After Lanark Racecourse closed down in 1977, the Silver Bell Trophy lay

dormant in a bank vault for 30 years until Hamilton Park Racecourse re-started the race, understood to be to be world's oldest such event, three years ago.

Although there were special incentives such as cut price entry offered to Lanarkians to attend, very few could or did.

This was chiefly down to the date - being the day before Lanimers and the evening of the Lanimer Rideout.

But the chairman of Lanark Community Council, Frank Gunning, has revealed that, after talks with Hamilton Racecourse chief executive Vivien Kyles, it had been agreed to change the race date from June to August from next year onwards.

Said Frank: "This is great news for Lanark. There is no longer thw clash with the Lanimers and so Lanarkians will be able to travel to Hamilton, hopefully in their droves, to see what is still their Silver Bell being raced for."

Vivien Kyles seemed equally happy, saying: "I won't bore you with all the people we had to consult and come to agreements with before fixing this new August date. The discount for Lanarkians remains."

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.